Scott Schermer, portraying a soldier from Battery A, 3rd United States Artillery, points out the specifications of an Army 3-inch ordnance rifle to tourists visiting Fort Stanton Live!, Saturday. Mark Wilson Photo

Hundreds of folks with an appetite for Old West action gathered to celebrate the rich history of Fort Stanton, Saturday, including history buffs, authors, artists and a host of costumed re-enactors to partake in the annual Fort Stanton Live!

Located between Lincoln and Capitan in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Blanca Mountains, New Mexico’s storied state monument offers a glimpse into the Civil War and Indian Wars eras that have captivated the imaginations of Americans for more than a century.

Jack Shuster, public relations coordinator, said this year’s event brought more than 70 re-enactors to the fort, a record number who helped to transform the 119-acre fort into eras gone but not forgotten. “We have cavalry, mounted rifles, artillery, two batteries of cannon, the infantry. … We have fort Login to read more